Q: My stepmom is the trustee of my father’s irrevocable trust, also only qualified beneficiary. I am subsequent beneficiar
Y. She says it’s inappropriate for me to ask for the annual amount of the principal, which will be my inheritance. She is only supposed to be living on the income. Trust is in South Carolina. She is 83. Is she correct?
A:
If your stepmother is the trustee of the trust, she may have a fiduciary duty to provide you with certain information about the trust, including the annual amount of the principal. However, the trust may have specific provisions that limit the information that can be provided to beneficiaries, or the laws of the state where the trust is established may require that certain information be kept confidential.
It's important to understand that as a beneficiary, you have certain rights under the law, including the right to receive information about the trust. You may want to consult with an attorney who specializes in trust law to help you understand your rights and to help you communicate with your stepmother about your concerns. They can also help you determine what information can be provided to you under the terms of the trust and the law of the state where it is established.
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